Getting started

Most shops can accept the first self-service return in a few minutes. Install Returns, set the eligibility rules, and test a request from My Account.

Before you start

• WordPress 6.5 or newer
• WooCommerce installed and active
• PHP 8.1 or newer

Install

1. Install WooCommerce and make sure it is active.
2. Install Returns from the plugin directory (when live on WordPress.org) or upload the returns folder to /wp-content/plugins/.
3. Activate the plugin.

First configuration

Returns ships enabled with sensible defaults, Completed and Processing orders, a 30-day window, so the Request a return link appears the moment WooCommerce is active. You only need to open the settings if those defaults do not match your policy.

Open WooCommerce → Returns in wp-admin. There are three settings, each with inline help:

• Enable returns, the master switch for the whole flow. On by default. Turn it off and the storefront link and form disappear; existing records stay.
• Eligible order statuses, which order statuses qualify for a return. Completed and Processing are ticked by default.
• Return window (days), days from the order date during which a return can be opened. Defaults to 30. Set it to 0 for no deadline.

There is no recipient setting: each request is emailed to your site’s Administration Email Address (Settings → General). Point that inbox at whoever processes returns, or use an SMTP/forwarding setup.

Test a return request

1. Log in as a customer with an eligible order and open My Account → Orders.
2. Use Request a return on the orders list or the single order view.
3. In the form, tick the items to return, set each quantity (pre-filled to the quantity ordered), choose a reason from the dropdown and optionally add a note, then submit. A reason and at least one item are required.
4. You land back on My Account → Orders with a confirmation notice, and the return appears in your status list as Requested.

Manage the request

1. In wp-admin, open WooCommerce → Return Requests.
2. Move the request through the workflow, requested → approved / rejected → completed.
3. The customer sees the current status in My Account at each step.

Returns records the request and tracks its status only. Process any refund in the standard WooCommerce order screen; the return record stays in sync with the status you set.

Free vs Pro

The free edition covers self-service requests, the item picker with reason and note, ownership checks, configurable eligibility and window, the admin email, the private record and the four-stage status workflow.

Returns Pro (planned) adds refund actions tied to the order, return shipping labels, store credit and customer status-change notifications. It does this through the returns/status_changed action the free plugin fires whenever you change a request’s status, see Configuration.

Need help?

• Returns overview, features and editions
• GitHub issues
• Returns on plogins.com